RTW North to South: Pura Vida

CN - Friday

Pura Vida is Costa Rica's infamous mantra and pretty much sums up the culture and attitudes of the people making up this country. There is undoubtably a very different vibe here than the previous CA countries we have passed through. Don't misinterpret this as the previous countries being inferior in any way - they just have a very attitude towards living life here in Costa Rica. For instance, CR is the #1 country in the world for setting aside parques, refugios, reserves, etc. - in terms of total percentage of land - for the benefit of their people, visitors and future generations. I personally have a ton of respect for this general attitude and policy the people and government have agreed to. Our country, its politics and certain percentage of the people seem to be taking us in in an opposite direction here. Don't want to inject any politics here but hey, I'm a Coloradan...Pura Vida!

I got up early this morning and took a walk through La Fortuna to hopefully get a glimpse of the top of Arenal - but unfortunately, as was the case yesterday, the top was again engulfed in clouds. It really is a breathtaking area - everything is as green as green gets. It rains on and off all day and all night, which explains the lush landscapes. I walked around the corner from our small hotel and was first in line as the barista was just finishing setting up for her 7am opening time. I must say the coffee has been pretty amazing the entire journey, but I have especially been enjoying the local Costa Rica beans - delicious! I've even been grabbing an afternoon in addition to my normal AM fixes! I wandered around experiencing the town getting fired up for the day and taking in the beauty around me.

A short time later we were picked up for the quick ride up the mountain to our zip line/canopy tour we had arranged the day before. It was a great tour through the lush rainforest with the finale a 130ft rappel down to the river - good times with some good people we met on the tour!

We arrived back to the hotel in time to check out by 11 and get on the road just past the town Siquirres where we have an overnight trip booked on the Rio Pacuare - two days of class III-IV whitewater rafting fun! Also two days where we don't have to plan anything on the fly - lodging, meals, etc. all included! We found a hotel just up the street from the river center where the logistics for our trip will start in the morning. We can keep the bikes in their gated compound and boathouse while on the river - super convenient!

I do have to mention the wonderful surprise for dinner tonight at the hotel as it was unexpected. We picked this place for the close proximity to the river center and it turns out their chef is brilliant. The meals she put out (we were the only patrons) were scratch made perfection. The preparation, care and fresh ingredients put into Ken's seafood medley and my pasta dish resulted in an over the top delicious taste bud explosion. A wonderful surprise I'd put up against any top rated restaurant I have experienced in my lifetime - at a fraction of the price! And Costa Rica is not at all cheap by CA standards.

No pics yet as internet speeds will not allow out here in the sticks - but check back as I hope to get some pics up on Monday or Tuesday after returning from rafting.